CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) -
The Diocese of South Carolina and Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of the Diocese of Charleston have released statements following the Supreme Court's decision on Friday, reversing a 6th Circuit District Court decision and legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states.

Both the Diocese of S.C. and Bishop Guglielmone stated that the Catholic church's stance will hold its historic position that God has ordained that the sacrament of Holy Matrimony is defined as the union of one man and one woman.

Read their full statements below.

From the Diocese of South Carolina:

"On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that 'all states must license marriage between two people of the same sex' and 'recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed 'out-of-state'.' Despite this change, the Diocese of South Carolina continues to affirm the historic position of the Christian Church: that God has ordained two states of life for His people, singleness or Holy Matrimony – the joining together of one man and one woman into a holy union. By affirming this position, we stand firmly under the authority of Holy Scripture, in continuity with the two thousand year history of the church, and in accord with the vast majority of Christians around the world. Therefore, it is clear that while the Supreme Court may be changing the civil definition of marriage, it has no authority over Holy Matrimony and the Church's blessing of the union between husband and wife."

"The Bible envisions Holy Matrimony as the life long, exclusive union of one man and one woman. While Christians, like others, experience failure in realizing this vision, it is nevertheless the standard we profess and toward which we strive. We believe that marriage, like all areas of life, can be redeemed, and that by God's grace all married people can be enabled to live into its unique calling."

"The full consequences of the Supreme Court's cultural and legal innovation have yet to be seen, and will be tested over time. It is our strong belief that this same Constitution, to which they have appealed, must protect the rights of all people to the free exercise of religion. In the light of this conviction, the Diocese of South Carolina will faithfully conduct its ministry in accordance with our beliefs, trusting that this freedom will be upheld."

From Bishop Guglielmone:

“Our Catholic faith upholds the dignity of every human person, including persons with same-sex attraction. At the same time, the Church sustains that marriage is a sacrament instituted by God, not by man or by institution, and can only be between one man and one woman. This teaching is not a judgment about persons who experience same-sex attraction, but a statement about how the Church has always understood the nature of marriage itself."

"It was disappointing to hear the Supreme Court's ruling; however, its decision does not change the fact that the Roman Catholic Church has consistently taught and will continue to teach that marriage is a sacrament. It is a covenant of love between one man and one woman which bonds them for life and to any children that comes from the union."

"Every Supreme Court decision is limited in what it can achieve; again, this decision is no exception. It does not change the biological differences between male and female human beings or the requirements for the generation of human life, which still requires the participation of both. In addition, this decision of the court does not dispense us from the responsibility of civility and respect due every human being, whether a person agrees or disagrees with the decision. Nor is it a license for the use of venomous language or vile behavior against those whose opinions differ from our own. This decision confers a civil entitlement to some people who could not claim it before. It does not resolve the moral debate that preceded it and will most certainly continue in its wake. This decision has made my task as the pastor of this local diocesan church more complex as I continue to uphold the teachings of my Church on the Sacrament of Matrimony and the equal transcendent dignity of every human person."